SHOW NOTES

Visual merchandising leaders are used to keeping their finger on the pulse of trends. But when today’s customer enters a store, they want more than inspiration and exciting trends. They want to feel seen.

In 2024 and beyond, the store experience is one where customers feel uniquely represented and valued.

With that, Visual Merchandising leaders are now becoming unofficial keepers of culture.

But not just for customers. Because the next generation of store employees expects an internal company culture that is highly inclusive, too.

Adimika Jaia Owens, Brand Experience Executive (Floor & Decor, Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret), says Visual Merchandising professionals are uniquely poised to help guide both.

In this episode, Ron Thurston sits down with Adimika to discuss visual merchandising leaders as the new keepers of company culture.

They dig into:

• Best practices for ensuring visual merchandising contributes to a cohesive customer journey rather than aesthetics and product placement
• How to ensure customer representation is reflected in your visual merchandising strategies
• Fostering an employee experience that encourages frontline workers to grow and thrive as their authentic self
• Finding spaces, brands, and leaders that resonate with your own values

GUEST BIO

Adimika Jaia Owens, Brand Experience Executive (Floor & Decor, Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret)

Adimika is a visual merchandising leader with over 25 years of experience in the field, most recently serving as Senior Director of Visual Merchandising for Floor & Decor. Previously, Adimika led innovative visual merchandising campaigns for Bloomingdale’s, Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret.

Her keen eye for detail, creativity, and ability to stay ahead of industry trends have consistently resulted in visually stunning and engaging store displays. Her leadership approach champions cross-functional team collaboration, DEIB, and frontline career growth.

At Floor & Decor, Adimika not only led the development of innovative visual merchandising strategies that enhance brand image and drive sales — she also served as leadership team sponsor for the organization’s internal affinity groups, and provided mentorship to frontline team members.

Adimika currently serves on the Boards of Retail Design Institute (RDI), VMSD Magazine, and SHOP, and is available for executive consulting.

HOST BIO

Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS. 

Ron is the co-founder of OSSY, a full-service agency platform that connects retailers, candidates, and solution providers to create thriving retail careers and businesses.

With 30+ years leading retail stores and operations for America’s most prominent brands, like Gap, Saint Laurent, Apple, Bonobos, and INTERMIX, Ron has developed a deep expertise in retail strategy, management, and innovation.

Ron is the author of RETAIL PRIDE, an Amazon bestseller that inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour, sharing the untold retail success stories and the incredible people behind them.

Ron’s work has set him up as one of the most influential voices in retail and retail tech, and he serves on the Advisory Board of YOOBIC and several emerging retail technology platforms, including Ometria, Reflex, and Vendoor.

ABOUT FRONTLINE FRIDAYS

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live podcast for frontline leaders and advocates in retail and hospitality.

Ron Thurston has a question for leaders out there who are inspiring excellence in their frontline teams: “What do you do differently?” In this candid discussion series, he’ll sit down with them to find out.

Each episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS offers real-world strategy from retail and hospitality change makers on frontline leadership and personal career growth.